Minnesota Twins: 5 New Year’s resolutions for the 2020 Twins

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 06: Nelson Cruz #23 and Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins are presented an award by the Minneapolis bomb squad for the setting the MLB single season home run record before the game against the Cleveland Indians of the game on SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 06: Nelson Cruz #23 and Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins are presented an award by the Minneapolis bomb squad for the setting the MLB single season home run record before the game against the Cleveland Indians of the game on SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MAY 16: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins reacts after striking out in the third inning against the Seattle Mariners during their game at T-Mobile Park on May 16, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MAY 16: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins reacts after striking out in the third inning against the Seattle Mariners during their game at T-Mobile Park on May 16, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

For Byron Buxton to stay healthy

For years Twins fans have been waiting for Byron Buxton to have an impactful season. Coming off a year in which he was limited to just 28 games (and batted .156 when he was on the field), Buxton had a breakthrough in 2019, achieving career-highs in batting average (.262), doubles (30), slugging percentage (.513) and OPS (.827).

With gold glove defense to boot, Buxton is one of the most exciting players on the Twins. The issue now is Buxton’s ability to stay healthy.

In his first five seasons in the major leagues, Buxton has played in over 100 games just once. While a pitch off his hand is something he can’t control, his reckless style in the outfield that resulted in a season-ending shoulder injury is something he can improve upon by taking better routes and getting a better jump on the ball.

There are some people who believe that giving up on Buxton now would be the right move, but the Twins record with their center fielder in the lineup over the past three years (153-102) shows that he has found a way to make an impact. Hopefully, he’ll learn how to be available to make that impact more in 2020.

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